North Branch Rush Creek Retention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The North Branch Rush Creek Retention Basin Dam, also known as the Georgetown Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Hudsonville, Michigan.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 850 feet, serving primarily as a flood risk reduction measure along the North Branch Rush Creek. With a storage capacity of 375 acre-feet and a controlled spillway width of 16 feet, this dam helps regulate water flow and minimize potential flooding in the area.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE), the North Branch Rush Creek Retention Basin Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is classified as having a very high risk level due to its critical role in flood risk reduction. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is designed to guide response efforts and protect surrounding communities from potential harm.

Situated within Ottawa County, Michigan, this dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With its strategic location and design, the North Branch Rush Creek Retention Basin Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the state.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

North Branch Rush Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

54

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

5.2

Nid Storage

375

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.